Key Takeaways
- North Carolina P&C insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 12 months of expiration require retaking the state exam
- Address changes must be reported to NCDOI within 30 days
- NCDOI can impose fines up to $1,000 per violation for minor offenses
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
North Carolina P&C insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $40 |
| Late Renewal | Additional fees apply |
| Expired Over 12 Months | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
North Carolina requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 hours |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at NCDOI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Ethics course must specifically address insurance ethics
Exam Tip: North Carolina requires 3 hours of ethics CE, which is more than some other states.
Reporting Requirements
North Carolina producers must notify NCDOI of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Change in business entity status
Disciplinary Actions
NCDOI can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Loss of license |
| Fine | Up to $1,000 per violation (general) |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Grounds for Discipline
- Misrepresentation of policy terms or coverage
- Twisting (replacing policies through misrepresentation)
- Rebating (offering unauthorized inducements)
- Unfair claims practices
- Commingling of funds
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Conviction of a crime involving dishonesty
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
Appointing Companies
P&C agents must be appointed by insurers to sell their products:
- Appointment Required: Before selling insurer's products
- Appointment Fee: Varies by company
- Termination Reporting: Required within 30 days
- For Cause Terminations: Must report reason to NCDOI
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education does North Carolina require for P&C license renewal?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of ethics CE does North Carolina require per renewal period?
A
B
C
D